Accountability and Development Review

Guidance on Setting Work Objectives and Associated Development Planning Contents

1 2 Introduction Work Objectives 2.1 How to set Objectives 2.2 How do Objectives differ from Job Descriptions? 2.3 Team Objectives 2.4 Links with Learning and Development Planning 2.5 Questions to ask when setting Objective 2.6 Types and Examples of Objectives 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 4

Learning and Development 8 3.1 What is a Learning and Development Plan? 8 3.2 Examples 9 3.3 Evaluation and Review of Development Objectives11 3.4 What to evaluate 11 13 13 13 13 13 13 14

APPENDIX 1 Our Identity and Future Our Values Our Strategy Strategic Goals Core Strategies Supporting Strategies

Author(s) Published Revised

Human Resources Nov-10 Dec-12

University of Strathclyde

Accountability and Development Review

Guidance on Setting Work Objectives and Associated Development Planning
1 Introduction
All University jobs need to clearly support the delivery of the Universitys vision and corporate objectives and it is important that every member of staff is able to clearly see how they can contribute to the overall success of the University. There must therefore be a clear line of sight between your role and the Universitys aims and corporate objectives. The Universitys aspirations, vision, mission and values are clearly expressed in its Strategic Plan 2011-2015 which was developed, in consultation with the University community, and formally approved by University Court in November 2010. An abridged version of the Plan is attached as Appendix 1. Through the Accountability and Development Review process your line manager will meet with you to discuss your role and how it contributes to the delivery of the Universitys strategic goals. During this meeting you will be asked to identify and agree performance objectives for the forthcoming year.

2
2.1

Work Objectives
How to set Objectives
Objectives should be set in the context of University/Directorate/School/Department and team objectives and priorities. They should also take account of individual circumstances such as grade, level of experience in current post and working arrangements. Agreed objectives will focus on explicit tasks and targets to be achieved within an identified timescale. For objectives to be clearly understood and to allow proper assessment in the Accountability and Development Review process, objectives should be: Specific Objectives should state a defined outcome/result and be precise. A specific objective has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general goal. Specific means that the objective is concrete, detailed, focused and well defined with a single key result being derived. If more than one result is to be achieved, more than one objective should be written. Objectives should be quantifiable and define the criteria for success (quality/quantity/cost etc.). There should be a reliable system in place to measure progress towards the attainment of the objective. When you measure your progress, you tend to stay on track and reach your target date. Tracking progress also provides the opportunity to readjust priorities if necessary. Objectives should be within your capabilities, but challenging and offering an opportunity for development. They should be compatible with your other responsibilities and workload and within available organisational resources (time/money/the contribution required of others). The key question is whether with a reasonable amount of effort and application the objective can be achieved. Most objectives are achievable but may require a change in your priorities to make them happen.

Measurable

Achievable

Accountability and Development Review: Guidance on Setting Work Objectives and Associated Development Planning

University of Strathclyde Relevant Objectives should be directly linked to the objectives and priorities of the team or Department/School/Directorate/University, appropriate to the post and level of authority and appropriate to your current and future career development. This means two things, that the objective being set is something you can actually impact upon and secondly that it is also important to the organisation. Objectives should be agreed to be delivered within a certain timeframe. Where there are milestones or key delivery dates these should be recorded. An objective with no date for completion is simply no good. An agreed timeframe creates the necessary urgency and prompts action.

Timebound

In writing quality objectives it is better to use action verbs as they are much easier to measure. Examples include: to plan to write to identify to complete to review to present to compare to investigate to develop to produce to maintain to improve

In summary the process of agreeing individual objectives should ensure that all staff fully understand what they need to achieve and, by when, in order to contribute effectively towards meeting University/Directorate/School/Department and team objectives. Generally between two and five objectives should be identified depending on the job role, with the aim being to agree a manageable number of objectives for the forthcoming year.

2.2

How do Objectives differ from Job Descriptions?

Objectives are intended to identify key priorities over the coming year and as such differ from the job description for the post which will continue to be relevant but which summarises the broader responsibilities of the post over an extended timeframe. The job description is therefore the statement of the on-going responsibilities of the post while objectives focus on moving the Department/School/Directorate or team forward during the coming 12 months by undertaking specific project work, contributing to team or Department/School/Directorate initiatives or undertaking work which will effect change by improving quality, throughput or efficiency.

2.3

Team Objectives

Whilst objective setting is at an individual level, many objectives depend upon team effort for realisation and it may be appropriate therefore to set common or shared objectives for team members. In doing so and in order to help the team work effectively you need to be clear about goals, roles, expectations, accountabilities/abilities and timing. It is important therefore to consider the following:

2.3.1

Goals What are the goals of the project? What is the goal of each individual activity? Why are we doing this? Accountability and Development Review: Guidance on Setting Work Objectives and Associated Development Planning

University of Strathclyde 2.3.2 Roles

What is my job as an individual team member? What do I do? What is the contribution I am expected to make? What expertise do I bring to the situation? What is everyone elses role and everyone elses expected contribution?

2.3.3

Expectation How good is good enough? What is the level of performance that is desired? What level of performance is not desired? Why are the expectations set at this level as opposed to another? Accountabilities/Abilities Who is accountable for each phase of the work, especially on projects that cut across functional lines or involve several people? What abilities do we possess that have a bearing on the individual job assignments? Timing When must this be done? At what pace am I to work? How does the timing of one piece of the work affect other pieces? Thinking about activities at team objective level will also help establish individual objectives which are aligned to the achievement of team objectives.

2.3.4

2.3.5

2.4

Links with Learning and Development Planning

Learning and development planning is also an ideal application for the use of SMART objectives and development activities may of course be linked with agreed performance objectives. Learning and development activities, which assist you in achieving performance objectives and/or in undertaking the duties of your post, should not however be included in this section as they are addressed later in the ADR process. This is covered in more detail in Part 2.

2.5

Questions to ask when setting Objective

The Department/School/Directorate plan is a good starting point for setting objectives. Such objectives might relate to financial results, performance measures or service level agreements, student retention/progression rates, student attainment, customer service and satisfaction levels, output and activity levels, staff related issues, infrastructure or environmental issues or governance and policy issues. The following questions can be helpful in thinking about appropriate objectives: 1. What are the emerging key issues for the team/department/faculty which will impact on my work over the coming year (e.g. developments in teaching methods/market, research priorities, knowledge exchange opportunities, funding climates, new services, legislation, systems and procedures coming on stream)? What new objectives are likely to emerge as a result of this? What can I do to improve the overall impact and effectiveness of the team/department, including, for example, preparation for external assessments e.g. REF, NSS, ELIR accreditations? Refer to any relevant performance indicators. Are there changes which can be made which would help the department meet its objectives? Given that many activities operate over extended timescales, what would the key milestone/s be for the coming year? What support would be appropriate to discuss in considering how individual objectives will be achieved?

2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Accountability and Development Review: Guidance on Setting Work Objectives and Associated Development Planning

University of Strathclyde It is important to be clear about what you want to achieve and the target date for delivery of the objective.

2.6

Types and Examples of Objectives

In very general terms the following examples could be considered for various job roles within the University: Academic Professional Roles Objectives should cover the key relevant areas (depending on Academic Professional category) of research, teaching, knowledge exchange and administration/management, for example: Research To be successful in obtaining x number of research grants/specific research grants by x date To increase percentage of successful research funding applications by x per cent by x date To generate research income to the value of approximately x over the coming year To develop a new line of research or approach that will have a broad impact on relevant field of publication by x date To increase the number of REF qualifying publications in appropriate journals by x number by x date To increase research income by x amount/percentage by x date Teaching To lead/contribute to the development of a new module/teaching programme on by x date To critically review methods of teaching and learning in relation to teaching modules in x subject areas by x date To develop a substantial revision to the course structure and content of an existing course by x date To gain external funding, in the region of x, for the development of new teaching and learning methods in x field by x date To secure x number of research students in the coming year To play the role of x to support the achievement of targets for student recruitment/retention To improve individual performance and overall satisfaction in National Student Survey/Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey by x per cent by x date To increase by x amount the number of incoming and outgoing exchange students by type of placement Knowledge Exchange To increase by x value KE/consultancy contracts/secure consultancy work with x company or y organisation in the coming year To develop a new/enhance existing collaborative working arrangement with an external body in x subject area by x date. To attract external funding for knowledge exchange activities such as Knowledge Transfer Partnership To attract funding from industrial partners to co-fund research projects To develop and/or deliver (or increase the level of) CPD provision with external organisations To develop and/or deliver an executive education programme with external organisations To commercialise an area of your research via patents or licensing To form a spin-out company or grow the activities of an existing one To engage with policy makers To build strategic partnerships with large external organisations To engage with the public and promote your (or others) research to external audiences Accountability and Development Review: Guidance on Setting Work Objectives and Associated Development Planning

2.6.1

2.6.2

2.6.3

2.6.4

University of Strathclyde 2.6.5 To increase the level of external partner engagement in shaping and delivering your teaching provision To develop and promote evidence based case studies of the impact of your research on society and/or the economy To promote knowledge exchange activities within your Department/Faculty/the University To develop the knowledge exchange skills of colleagues and students within your Department/Faculty/the University

Citizenship To take on the role of Course Director/Leader/Coordinator/equivalent by x date To take on a senior Departmental/School management role by x date To take on membership of a Faculty/University committee by x date Obtain a role as an external examiner by x date. Administrative and Professional Service Roles Objectives relating to service provision within the department, to a particular project, to the provision of management information or to the accuracy and timeliness of work, for example: To improve procedures for monitoring student attendance and for collecting student assignments in consultation with colleagues by x date To review the procedures used for course evaluation and bring forward proposals for change to the Head of Department by x date To write a paper for the Head of Department detailing the impact of new health and safety legislation relating to x area of activity by x date To develop a policy in relation to a particular subject area and associated procedures for review by the Head of Department by x date To provide a detailed project plan for the roll out of the revised induction procedures by x date To review administrative procedures for conference attendance with relevant colleagues to ensure consistency of approach across the department by x date Conduct a departmental wide training needs analysis and produce a departmental training plan for Head of Department approval by x date Reduce the down time of IT applications by x per cent by x date Reduce planned maintenance costs by x per cent by x date Develop criteria to measure system performance by x date To review the departments filing systems and make recommendations for improvement to the Head of Department by x date To design a database to record examination results more efficiently by x date To catalogue the departments learning resources by x date To transfer the departmental strategy statement into a PowerPoint presentation by x date To overhaul the departmental manual and electronic filing systems to improve the retrieval of information by x date To implement a new enquiry process in order to improve the service provided to potential applicants within the next x months To co-ordinate x number of events by x date To review the administrative process for x committee by x date to improve the experience for committee members and enhance the decision making process To review the systems for financial monitoring and propose improvements to line manager/Head of Department by x date To review the Departments customer service standards with other team members and suggest improvements to the Head of Department by x date To prepare a format for management information reports in relation to x to inform the decision-making of x by x date Develop quality assurance systems for x by x date

2.6.6

Accountability and Development Review: Guidance on Setting Work Objectives and Associated Development Planning

University of Strathclyde 2.6.7 To improve student support by acting as point of contact in relation to x issues, responding to queries within x timescale Gather data to review the departments performance in relation to x and provide a report and recommendation by x date To put in place new/enhanced marketing and communication mechanisms in relation to student recruitment activities for x (e.g. international students) by x date Contribute to the development of collaborative working with institution x by establishing x by x date Establishing/review web pages in relation to x and publish and promote these by x date Ensure that administrative processes in relation to grant award x are adhered to and that regular audit reports are submitted within defined deadlines Ensure that budget management procedures are followed by submitting quarterly reports to x Review timetabling in relation to module x and establish proposals for session x by x date.

Technical Roles Objectives relating to safety or legal requirements or to the use of specialised equipment, for example: To produce an up to date inventory of all laboratory equipment in the department by x date To set up a rota to service the departments machinery within the next x months To set up a database to document the departments use of substances hazardous to health under the COSHH regulations by x date To increase the accuracy of instrumentation data by x per cent by x date To rewrite the Health and Safety Policy document for the department within the next x months To review the stock monitoring system and propose improvements to the Head of Department within the next x months To produce written guidance on the use of a particular piece of equipment by x date To produce recommendations for improving the service provision for academic staff/researchers in a particular specialism by x date To develop and deliver training for other technical staff on x subject by x date To review the demonstration techniques for students on x area of expertise by x date To contribute to the departments knowledge exchange activity by developing/delivering x service/facility/training and liaising with external contacts to attract business/establish customer needs Supervise the practical projects of students in relation to x, ensuring that the students understand how to safely operate the necessary equipment and monitoring progress to support the students in completing the project to deadline Risk assess activity x and implement any necessary process improvements by x date Establish a production technique in relation to x activity by x date.

2.6.8

Operational Roles Objectives relating to maintenance of safety or hygiene standards or service delivery, for example: To improve customer satisfaction ratings regarding response times from x per cent to x per cent by x date To reduce the incidence of customer complaints by x per cent by the end of the year To increase the number of points of view feedback cards filled out by customers by x number over the course of the year To reduce food and packaging wastage by x per cent over the course of the year To increase recycling by x per cent over the course of the year To ensure all stock and food items are displayed attractively and service times are met To ensure mail is delivered to departments by x time each day

Accountability and Development Review: Guidance on Setting Work Objectives and Associated Development Planning

University of Strathclyde 2.6.9 To ensure that all student enquiries are dealt with within x days To reduce the number of reportable health and safety incidents by x per cent by the end of the year To ensure that x area is cleaned by x time each day To lock up x buildings by x time each day To ensure that x number of orders are delivered as per customer requests To review the stock monitoring procedures and suggest improvements by x date To ensure incident reports are submitted by x time after the event To provide on the job training to a specific person by x date.

Internationalisation Reflecting the broadness of the Universitys internationalisation activities, it is recommended that every member of staff at Grade 6 and above, regardless of staff category, includes one objective with an internationalisation dimension, as appropriate to the role. Reviewees and reviewers should consider which aspect of the reviewees work has an international dimension or where objectives could be set to further the Universitys international ambitions. Further information on the Universitys internationalisation strategy and priorities can be found on Strathclyde International pages of the University website (http://www.strath.ac.uk/international/).

2.6.10 Staff Management Roles Anyone with staff management responsibility should have at least one objective relating to that aspect of their role, e.g. improvements in business processes and efficiency, improvements in service delivery and customer satisfaction, developing new courses, new areas of interdisciplinary research or new knowledge exchange collaborations, delivery of service level agreements, delivery of savings targets, reductions in staff absence, increased participation of staff in learning and development activities, etc. The inclusion of an objective relating to issues of health and safety, e.g. reductions in accident/incident rates is also encouraged where appropriate. 2.6.11 Addressing equality and diversity in the ADR process In the spirit of owning and embedding good practice staff should be invited to comment on their skills and knowledge on equality and diversity matters. For example, the reviewer may wish to discuss with the reviewee how equality and diversity may be promoted within their role and what support may be required to keep up to date on equality and diversity issues. Please note that discussion on equality and diversity issues should not be confined to the ADR process alone. Staff should be encouraged to raise issues as and when they arise and also referred to appropriate source of help where required. 2.6.12 Review Objectives should be reviewed regularly during the year to monitor progress and to ensure objectives remain current and relevant.

Accountability and Development Review: Guidance on Setting Work Objectives and Associated Development Planning

University of Strathclyde

Learning and Development

Having established the performance objectives for the next year, the next step is to identify relevant and appropriate development objectives/activities that will positively support the successful completion of the work objectives.

3.1

What is a Learning and Development Plan?

A development objective sets out the actions that will bridge the gap between current knowledge, skills and experience (KSE) and the KSEs that you need in order to support the completion of work objectives. In the context of the ADR process, the development discussion should be seen as an on-going three stage process which begins by assessing the development need, then determining how the need is going to be met and finally by evaluating if the need has been successfully met.

What is the need?

How will it be met?

Has the need been met?

3.1.1

What is the need? Development activities should be specific and relevant. In considering which are the most appropriate learning and development actions you should consider a broad range of development activities which go beyond the traditional method of attending training courses. Appropriate development activities take into consideration personal learning styles, workload, what development is to take place, any financial implications, and importantly, how it links with the key priorities of the Department/School/Directorate/Faculty and University and enhances personal and career planning priorities. Questions to ask when considering development activities: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. What knowledge, skills, and experience are required to support the achievement of performance objectives? How do these compare with current knowledge skills and experience? What skills, knowledge or experience need to be developed in order to achieve the performance objectives? What is the most appropriate development method? What actions/activities should be undertaken to meet the objectives?

3.1.2

How is the need going to be met? Once the need has been identified the next stage is to think through appropriate ways of meeting it. A broad range of options should be considered which may include: Coaching (coaching someone or being coached) Job shadowing/observation Participating in/leading collaborative teams Sharing skills/knowledge/good practice with others Volunteering to assist someone else to gain experience/practice Mentoring (mentoring someone or being mentored) Citizenship activities e.g., contributing to a committee or working group Taking on delegated tasks or activities

Accountability and Development Review: Guidance on Setting Work Objectives and Associated Development Planning

University of Strathclyde 3.1.3 Participating in or contributing to one off projects which are different from the standard day to day activities of the role Secondments to other areas of work or other teams or external to the University Participating in network meetings and/or joining professional networks Organising conferences or symposiums Reading professional journals and books on the subject Participation in training workshops - internal or external Participation in conferences or seminars On the job training, by undertaking a specific new activity with guidance and support.

What about individual learning styles? People have different learning styles, and this should be taken into account when considering what types of activities are most suitable to support a development need. For example, if you think you learn best by doing, then some of the following activities may best suit your learning style: Facilitation Coaching and mentoring of someone else Using video or online resources Business visits Networking Observing/shadowing Action planning.

If you feel that you learn best by considering, observing and thinking over activities before doing them, some of following activities may better suit your learning style: Discussions Feedback Coaching Mentoring Shadowing

3.2
3.2.1

Examples

The following are examples of how performance objectives and development activities are related. Example 1: To be successful in obtaining x number of research grants/specific research grants by x date from UK and/or overseas funding bodies Associated Learning and Development Need(s): To gain the necessary knowledge and understanding of funding application process To gain the necessary knowledge and understanding of the criteria for a successful bid To acquire bid writing skills.

Activities that might ensure that the development needs are met: Read appropriate funding guidelines View previously successful bids Seek advice from RKES/CAPLE Ask for mentoring support from colleague with experience of securing successful funding Seek advice from funding bodies Attend finance seminars on research programme funding Access self-learning materials.

Accountability and Development Review: Guidance on Setting Work Objectives and Associated Development Planning

University of Strathclyde 3.2.2 Example 2: To take on senior Departmental/School leadership role Associated Learning and Development Need(s): Gain the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills to undertake a leadership role of a senior manager.

Activities that might ensure that the development need is met: 3.2.3 Arrange mentoring from someone in a similar role Work shadowing either in own department or outwith Arrange briefing with finance department Volunteer to participate in committees and or working groups Attend an appropriate in-house management/leadership development programme Consider vocational qualification at required level Self-learning materials Self-study through available resources.

Example 3: Establish and review web pages in relation to x and publish and promote these by x date Associated Learning and Development Need(s): To gain necessary skills and knowledge to publish and update branded web based material

Activities that might ensure that the development need is met might include the following types of activities: 3.2.4 Contact Marketing and Development Services for advice Research current trends in web design Explore information available on University web pages Coaching from someone in own or other department On-the job instruction Job shadowing someone in a similar role Take on a delegated task for practice Attend a T4 course.

Example 4: To provide training and support to a new colleague Associated Learning and Development Need(s) Acquire the appropriate knowledge and skills to support development of other people Develop own one-to-one training skills.

Activities that might ensure that the development needs are met might include: Liaise with Organisational and Staff Development Unit for advice and guidance Use any available self-learning materials Familiarise yourself with what central University induction support is available Provide induction training to new colleague Provide feedback to new colleague on task/s completed Read articles in professional journals/magazines Understand individual learning styles Arrange to observe others providing skills training.

Accountability and Development Review: Guidance on Setting Work Objectives and Associated Development Planning

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University of Strathclyde 3.2.5 Example 5: To produce a report with recommendations for improving the service provision within a particular Unit/Department Associated Learning and Development Need(s) Obtain knowledge and understanding of the relevant service and University procedures on service provision Acquire knowledge and skills to undertake effective consultation Gain management report writing skills Develop understanding of change management.

Activities that might ensure that the development needs are met Read University and departmental policies and procedures Take part in coaching activity Work shadow/observation Reading case studies Seek advice from supervisor Review appropriate self-learning materials Attend a report writing skills course Access University library materials Source suitable mentor Undertake a relevant Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) module.

3.3

Evaluation and Review of Development Objectives

Once you have agreed what development needs there may be, it is the responsibility of both you and the reviewer to explore which activities would meet these needs, and to ensure that a learning and development plan is recorded and implemented. Development activities should only be included in the plan if they can be delivered. It should be clear on the plan what actions the reviewer and reviewee will take to ensure that the development activities take place. Has the need been met? In the future you should refer back to the previous years learning and development plan and consider any sources of feedback on the effectiveness of activities. There are a number of ways you can check whether the learning and training or development activity was successful in meeting the need:

3.4

What to evaluate
Performance Learning Relevance Acceptability

Was it effective in helping you to meet the performance objectives set at your ADR meeting? Was it successful in imparting and improving knowledge and skill? Was it relevant to current or future role? Was it relevant, cost effective, enjoyable and motivational?

You should not wait until the following year to check progress against your learning and development plan; indeed, the ADR documentation should be considered a live document throughout the year and the opportunity taken to regularly review progress in relation to both the performance objectives and development activities.

Accountability and Development Review: Guidance on Setting Work Objectives and Associated Development Planning

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University of Strathclyde There may be some situations where a development activity cannot be achieved i.e. a resource has not been available or a colleague has not been able to provide mentoring support. In these circumstances it is advisable to have a progress review to consider any appropriate alternatives or perhaps another method of addressing the development objective such as work shadowing or coaching. Alternatively you may need to adjust the timescale for the development. In any case even if the preferred solution is not currently available, the need will still be there and should be monitored carefully. If you would like any further information or advice regarding learning and development then please contact the Organisational and Staff Development Unit staff: Janice Lee Janet Milne Organisational and Staff Development Manager jan.lee@strath.ac.uk Trainer janet.milne@strath.ac.uk

Accountability and Development Review: Guidance on Setting Work Objectives and Associated Development Planning

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University of Strathclyde

APPENDIX 1
Our Identity and Future
Our ambition is to be among the leading technological universities in the world. We challenge traditional academic boundaries to solve global problems. We continually question our approach so that we are efficient and effective.

Our Values

Respect for others and equality of opportunity, openness, integrity and honesty are core values. More particularly, how we go about our work is defined by the collegial idea of One Strathclyde.

Our Strategy

The Strategic Plan is designed to ensure that the University achieves its ambition to be a leading international technological university and that, through research, education and knowledge exchange, we remain engaged with public life globally as a place of useful learning. Key features of the Strategic Plan are: Financial sustainability in a challenging global economic climate An international perspective in all that we do Focusing on the issues of global importance Collaborative and global research and knowledge exchange An innovative, stimulating and challenging educational experience A fresh approach to student recruitment and student support Commitment to the development of all our staff Increased support for our staff in research, education and knowledge exchange A flexible, adaptive and responsive organisation An attractive, dynamic and digital campus.

Strategic Goals

The University has translated the above into three core and six supporting strategies: Research, Education and Knowledge Exchange; and Finance, Staff, Students, Engagement, Infrastructure and Governance.

Core Strategies
Research: By 2015 we will realise our ambitions to: Organise research in and across disciplines addressing global challenges Increase the number of academic staff recognised internationally for their research excellence Support a vibrant postgraduate research student community Create and maintain an enviable, dynamic and sustainable research environment Increase the Universitys research reputation internationally, securing the value of Strathclydes distinctive ambition. Education: By 2015 we will realise our ambitions to: Develop a distinctive Strathclyde Curriculum that is internationally recognised Ensure a high-quality distinctive Student Experience Create internationally competitive postgraduate taught study opportunities Strengthen Strathclydes international presence and recruitment opportunities Provide a curriculum and student experience which is highly attractive to students from a variety of backgrounds.

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University of Strathclyde Knowledge Exchange: By 2015 we will realise our ambitions to: Establish distinctive approaches to the relationship between University and industrial research Deliver a wide range of education programmes and lifelong learning opportunities Realise the commercial value of our research, through intellectual property, consultancy, spin-out and start-up companies Work in collaboration with partners from within and outside Higher Education to play a leading role in the public life of society.

Supporting Strategies

Finance: By 2015 we will realise our ambitions to: Ensure that the University Strategy is fully costed and deliverable Provide a sound, secure, and financially sustainable future for Strathclyde Deliver innovative and creative approaches to operational efficiency. Staff: By 2015 we will realise our ambitions to: Provide a positive and supportive working environment that recognises One Strathclyde in everything we do and ensures the wellbeing of our staff Ensure that we recruit, develop and retain our staff promoting the University of Strathclyde as an employer of choice Ensure that we value the contributions of our staff towards the delivery of our strategic objectives Enable our staff to become effective leaders. Students: By 2015 we will realise our ambitions to: Fully recognise relevant background information as part of a modernised recruitment and admissions process Support positive cultural, social and personal experiences Develop a seamless, equitable and simple framework for our curriculum to provide choice, opportunity and flexibility Transform our student population by increasing our percentage of international and postgraduate students. Engagement: By 2015 we will realise our ambitions to: Promote Strathclyde as the University of Choice for increasing numbers of potential students and staff, partners and customers Create a sense of community for everyone associated with Strathclyde Establish productive relationships with key partners in public and private sector organisations and other Universities around the World Develop the international presence and reach of the University Communicate the technological, social, economic and cultural value of our activities. Infrastructure: By 2015 we will realise our ambitions to: Deliver a modern, environmentally sustainable and flexible estate Develop a fully equipped digital campus Create a community for our staff, students, alumni, partners and local people Continue to modernise our University Library. Governance: By 2015 we will realise our ambitions to: Create a supportive governance and management environment, which enables the delivery of the Strategic Plan Ensure that our decision-making structures are appropriate, efficient and effective Be recognised for our first class Professional Service, within and beyond the University Have a clearly expressed statement on Environmental and Social Responsibility, to underpin core activities. Accountability and Development Review: Guidance on Setting Work Objectives and Associated Development Planning

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